For some reason,
these guys seem to be able to cut through all of the bullshit
"Metalcore / Post-Hardcore / Emo-core / Melodic hardcore
or whatever the hell it is called these days" bands.
Maybe it's their wonderful arranged yet frantic and sporatic
music that still allows for catchy hooks and choruses while
maintaining their heavy/punishing delivery. Maybe it is
also because front man, Keith, is able to take the edge
off (no pun intended) with his tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Their latest release, Gutter Phenomenon,
is no exception to these qualities. Every track is faster,
more relentless, and just as aggressive as their previous
releases, yet the vocals have received a touch of melody.
If you have listened to each of their releases, this added
range in the vocals comes as no surprise. It was present
in Hot Damn! but it took this release for it to become fully
apparent. To not stray anyone in the wrong direction, it
is not as though they have added tracks that completely
kill the pacing of the record, the vocal melody simply compliments
the sophistication in the music. Look for some delicious
cowbells and dirty swagger in songs like "The New Black"
and "Tusk and Temper". What made Hot Damn! so
damn good is carried through in songs like "Bored Stiff"
and "Gloom and How It Gets That Way". Also look
for some extra guests, such as Daryl from Glassjaw/Head
Automatica in "Champing At The Bit" but, quite
frankly, doesn't add anything to album.
If you have listened to Everytime I Die and enjoyed their
previous work, this will make you extremely happy. If you
didn't like their other releases, you suck. If you haven't
heard of these humble, honest, gentlemen from New York (the
state not the city) more specifically Buffalo; you probably
will in a few months with their new tour with My Chemical
Romance in Europe. Jump on this before you start seeing
their killer disco shirt everywhere.
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